EP2885526A1 - Engine fuel enhancement management system - Google Patents
Engine fuel enhancement management systemInfo
- Publication number
- EP2885526A1 EP2885526A1 EP12883229.2A EP12883229A EP2885526A1 EP 2885526 A1 EP2885526 A1 EP 2885526A1 EP 12883229 A EP12883229 A EP 12883229A EP 2885526 A1 EP2885526 A1 EP 2885526A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- engine
- valve
- fuel additive
- storage means
- fuel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/0639—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels
- F02D19/0642—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels at least one fuel being gaseous, the other fuels being gaseous or liquid at standard conditions
- F02D19/0644—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels at least one fuel being gaseous, the other fuels being gaseous or liquid at standard conditions the gaseous fuel being hydrogen, ammonia or carbon monoxide
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/0602—Control of components of the fuel supply system
- F02D19/0605—Control of components of the fuel supply system to adjust the fuel pressure or temperature
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/0602—Control of components of the fuel supply system
- F02D19/0607—Control of components of the fuel supply system to adjust the fuel mass or volume flow
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/066—Retrofit of secondary fuel supply systems; Conversion of engines to operate on multiple fuels
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/08—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed simultaneously using pluralities of fuels
- F02D19/081—Adjusting the fuel composition or mixing ratio; Transitioning from one fuel to the other
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
- F02D41/0025—Controlling engines characterised by use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
- F02D41/0025—Controlling engines characterised by use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D41/0027—Controlling engines characterised by use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures the fuel being gaseous
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
- F02D41/24—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents characterised by the use of digital means
- F02D41/26—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents characterised by the use of digital means using computer, e.g. microprocessor
- F02D41/266—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents characterised by the use of digital means using computer, e.g. microprocessor the computer being backed-up or assisted by another circuit, e.g. analogue
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
- F02M25/10—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding acetylene, non-waterborne hydrogen, non-airborne oxygen, or ozone
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
- F02D2200/02—Input parameters for engine control the parameters being related to the engine
- F02D2200/04—Engine intake system parameters
- F02D2200/0404—Throttle position
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
- F02D2200/02—Input parameters for engine control the parameters being related to the engine
- F02D2200/04—Engine intake system parameters
- F02D2200/0406—Intake manifold pressure
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D2400/00—Control systems adapted for specific engine types; Special features of engine control systems not otherwise provided for; Power supply, connectors or cabling for engine control systems
- F02D2400/11—After-sales modification devices designed to be used to modify an engine afterwards
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/30—Use of alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an engine fuel enhancement management system and in particular to a management system for adding hydrogen gas as a fuel enhancer to an internal combustion engine.
- the present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.
- the present invention provides a system for managing the addition of a fuel additive to an engine which receives a conventional fuel, the system comprising: a storage means for storing the fuel additive; a supply line communicating the storage means to the engine; and a control valve for controlling the rate of addition of the fuel additive from the storage means to the engine.
- control valve is a proportional valve disposed in the supply line.
- system further comprises a control means for dynamically controlling the control valve to vary the rate of flow of fuel additive to the engine in response to current intake manifold pressure and/or throttle position of the engine.
- the storage means is a high pressure storage cylinder, which is fixed and refillable, or exchangeable.
- the system comprises a high pressure to low pressure regulator valve in the supply line for converting high pressure fuel additive in the storage cylinder to a lower pressure.
- the system comprises a manual high pressure cylinder shut off valve connected to the storage cylinder.
- the supply line comprises a low pressure supply line portion which extends downstream from the regulator valve, the system comprising a low pressure shut off valve in the low pressure supply line portion.
- the system comprises a low pressure shut off valve disposed in the regulator valve.
- the system comprises a control unit which controls the low pressure shut off valve.
- control valve comprises a proportional valve in the supply line, the supply line comprising a metered hydrogen line which extends from the proportional valve to the engine.
- the system comprises a control unit which controls the proportional valve.
- the system comprises a master switch and indicator means.
- the fuel additive is hydrogen gas which is stored in the storage means in compressed form.
- the low pressure cylinder shut off valve is an electronically controlled solenoid shut off valve.
- the proportional valve is an electronically controlled proportional solenoid valve.
- control means is an integrated logic control unit.
- the integrated logic control unit is a programmable integrated circuit.
- the present invention provides a system for managing the addition of a fuel additive to an engine which receives a conventional fuel, wherein the supply of conventional fuel to the engine is managed by an engine control module, the system comprising: a storage means for storing the fuel additive; a supply line communicating the storage means to the engine; and a control means for controlling the rate of addition of the fuel additive from the storage means to the engine, wherein the control means is adapted to send a modified signal to the engine control module for the engine control module to supply a reduced amount of conventional fuel to the engine when the system is operating.
- control means comprises a control unit, the system further comprising a control valve in the supply line and wherein the control unit dynamically controls the control valve to vary the rate of flow of fuel additive to the engine in response to current intake manifold pressure and/or throttle position of the engine.
- the system comprises a high pressure to low pressure regulator valve in the supply line for converting high pressure fuel additive in the storage means to a lower pressure.
- the supply line comprises a low pressure supply line portion which extends downstream from the regulator valve, the system comprising a low pressure shut off valve in the low pressure supply line portion, wherein the control unit controls the low pressure shut off valve.
- the fuel additive is hydrogen gas which is stored in the storage means in compressed form.
- the low pressure shut off valve is an electronically controlled solenoid shut off valve.
- control valve is an electronically controlled proportional solenoid valve.
- control means is an integrated logic control unit.
- the system operates independently of the engine control module.
- the present invention provides a system for managing the addition of a fuel additive to an engine which receives a conventional fuel, the system comprising: a storage means for storing the fuel additive; a supply line communicating the storage means to the engine; and a control means for controlling the rate of addition of the fuel additive from the storage means to the engine, wherein the control means is adapted to add the fuel additive to the engine across an engine operating range between and including engine idle and engine full throttle.
- the present invention provides a system for managing the addition of a fuel additive to an engine which receives a conventional fuel, the system comprising: a storage means for storing the fuel additive; at least two supply lines communicating the storage means to the engine which are adapted to supply the fuel additive to the engine at different rates of flow; and a switching means for selecting the rate of flow of addition of the fuel additive to the engine between the at least two supply lines.
- each of the at least two supply lines comprise a respective regulator valve.
- each of the at least two supply lines comprise a respective shut off valve.
- the switching means is connected to the shut off valves.
- the switching means comprises a pressure differential solenoid switch which monitors the manifold pressure of the engine.
- the present invention provides a method of managing the addition of a fuel additive to an engine which receives a conventional fuel, the method comprising: dynamically controlling the rate of flow of the fuel additive from a storage means to the engine in response to current intake manifold pressure and/or throttle position of the engine.
- the method further comprises the step of sending a modified signal to an engine control module of the engine, for the control module to supply a reduced amount of conventional fuel to the engine when the fuel additive is being added to the engine.
- the present invention provides a method of managing the addition of a fuel additive to an engine which receives a conventional fuel, the method comprising: sending a modified signal to an engine control module of the engine, for the control module to supply a reduced amount of conventional fuel to the engine when the fuel additive is being added to the engine.
- the method further comprises the step of dynamically controlling the rate of flow of the fuel additive from a storage means to the engine in response to current intake manifold pressure and/or throttle position of the engine.
- the present invention provides an engine having the system of the above installed therein.
- the present invention provides a vehicle having the system of the above installed therein.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of an engine fuel enhancement management system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system being installed in a car;
- Fig. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the system of Figure 1
- Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the system of Figure 1;
- Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a simplified engine fuel enhancement management system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of a safety switching system for the engine fuel enhancement management system of Figure 4.
- Fig. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of an alternative safety switching system for the engine fuel enhancement management system of Figure 4.
- Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an engine fuel enhancement management system in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 8 is a sample diagram showing manifold pressure and rate of hydrogen flow to a petrol engine across the full range of throttle position
- Figure 9 is a sample diagram showing manifold pressure and rate of hydrogen flow to a turbo diesel engine across the full range of throttle position
- Figure 10 is a sample diagram showing manifold pressure and rate of hydrogen flow to a normally aspirated diesel engine across the full range of throttle position.
- FIGS 1 to 3 show an engine fuel enhancement management system 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention installed in a vehicle 200, which in the embodiment is a car.
- vehicle 200 as is known comprises an engine 202 disposed in an engine bay 203 which receives conventional fuel from a conventional fuel tank (not shown) via a conventional fuel line (not shown).
- the conventional fuel tank is typically disposed adjacent to the boot 206 of the vehicle 200.
- the supply of conventional fuel to the engine is managed by an engine control module (ECM) 204.
- ECM engine control module
- the conventional fuel can be a liquid fuel (bio fuel, petrol, diesel or kerosene based fuel), gaseous fuel (CNG), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), or a combination thereof.
- the engine 202 can be any type of fuelled internal combustion engine (e.g. reciprocating, rotary or turbine).
- the system 10 comprises a storage means 12 for the fuel additive which in the embodiment is a high pressure storage cylinder 12, disposed within a sealed enclosure 14.
- the enclosure 14 in the embodiment is disposed within the boot 206 of the vehicle 200.
- a manual cylinder shut off valve 16 disposed within the enclosure 14 and connected to the storage cylinder 12 are a manual cylinder shut off valve 16, a high pressure gauge 18, and a high pressure to low pressure regulator valve 20.
- the regulator valve 20 can include a pressure relief valve 23 which is vented externally via a vent 22 which extends to an external surface of the vehicle 200.
- the system 10 further comprises a supply line 15 communicating the storage means 12 to the engine 202.
- the supply line 15 comprises a high pressure supply line portion 31 connecting the storage cylinder 12 to the high pressure to low pressure regulator valve 20.
- the supply line 15 also comprises a low pressure supply line portion 24 which extends from the regulator valve 20 to a flow control valve 26 which in the embodiment is a proportional valve, and a metered hydrogen line portion 28 which extends from the proportional valve 26 to the engine 202.
- the system 10 further comprises a low pressure shut off valve 25 disposed either at the low pressure supply line portion 24 or in the regulator valve 20.
- the proportional valve 26 and the metered hydrogen line 28 are disposed within the engine bay 203 with the low pressure supply line 24 extending from the boot 206 to the engine bay 203.
- the system 10 further comprises a programmable integrated logic control unit 30 which controls the operation of the system 10 as further described below.
- a master switch 32 for the system 10 and indicator lights 34 Disposed within the vehicle instrument panel 208 are a master switch 32 for the system 10 and indicator lights 34 which are connected to the integrated logic control unit 30.
- the fuel additive in the embodiment is hydrogen gas and the storage cylinder 12 stores commercially produced compressed hydrogen gas.
- This hydrogen gas is of high purity and produced by refineries as a gas or converted during use to a gas from liquid hydrogen.
- the objective of the system 10 is the effective addition of a metered amount of hydrogen gas (fuel additive) into the fuel/air mixture entering the combustion chamber(s) of the engine 200, during all operation conditions of the engine 202, across the full range of manifold pressure and throttle position.
- the system 10 dynamically controls the rate of flow of hydrogen gas to the combustion chamber(s) in response to present manifold pressure and throttle position. This is to maximise the efficiency of the combustion process, reduce negative greenhouse gas emissions and improve the power and fuel economy of the engine 200.
- the storage cylinder 12 is an ASA (American Standards Association) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization) compliant high pressure storage cylinder which stores hydrogen gas at a pressure of about 200 Bar.
- the gas storage 12 can be refillable within the vehicle 200 and/or replaceable.
- the high pressure cylinder shut off valve 16 is a hand operated manual shut off valve.
- the high pressure gauge 18 measure pressure of hydrogen gas in the high pressure supply line portion 31.
- the high pressure to low pressure regulator valve 20 converts high pressure hydrogen gas from the storage cylinder 12 of about 200 BAR to a low pressure up to 3 BAR, as preset during system installation.
- the pressure regulator valve 20 can incorporate a flash back arrestor, non return valve and the pressure relief valve 23.
- the low pressure shut off valve 25 is an electronically controlled solenoid shut off valve which is connected to and controlled by the integrated logic control unit 30.
- the low pressure shut off valve 18 is a normally closed valve which has to be powered open by the integrated logic control unit 30 to allow flow therethrough.
- the low pressure supply line 24 conveys the low pressure hydrogen gas to the proportional valve 26, which is an electronically controlled proportional solenoid valve connected to and controlled by the integrated logic control unit 30.
- the proportional valve 26 is also a normally closed valve which has to be powered open by the integrated logic control unit 30 to allow flow therethrough.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 dynamically controls the size of the opening of the proportional valve 26 in response to present throttle and manifold pressure status to thus vary the rate of flow of hydrogen gas flowing into the metered hydrogen line 28.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 is a programmable integrated circuit that monitors a number of system signals which indicate the status or position of various components of the system 10 or the engine 200. The integrated logic control unit 30 then takes action depending on the signals received. These signals can include:
- master switch position 41 indicating on or off position of master switch 32
- engine manifold pressure status 42 which indicates current manifold pressure via a pressure transducer 49;
- thermal sensor status 43 which indicates whether the engine is overheating to such an extent that the risk of an engine compartment fire may exist
- alternator output or oil pressure status 44 which indicates whether engine is running or not (engine OFF or ON signal);
- throttle position switch status 45 which indicates the throttle position
- barometric pressure sensor signal 46 which indicates current altitude for aviation applications
- oxygen sensor status 47 which receives a signal from the current oxygen sensor of the vehicle 200
- the integrated logic control unit 30 will control the rate of flow of hydrogen gas to the inlet manifold 201 of the engine 202 at a programmed rate applicable for the range of operation of the engine 202 via the proportional valve 26.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 dynamically varies the position of the proportional valve 26 to provide the required hydrogen gas flow rate.
- the engine control module (ECM) 204 controls the rate of flow of conventional fuel to the engine inlet manifold 201 in accordance with a status signal received from the oxygen sensor 47.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 comprises an oxygen signal modifier 21 which will provide a modified oxygen signal 48 to the ECM 204 to reduce the rate of flow of conventional fuel delivered to the engine 202 during operation of the system 10. Less conventional fuel is required for the engine 202 when the system 10 is operating.
- the modified oxygen signal 48 will override the "lean" signal normally read by the ECM 204 when less conventional fuel is delivered to the engine 202. This ensures maximum benefits are maintained during operation of the system 10 in terms of engine efficiency and conventional fuel savings.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 incorporates various adjusters to set the modified oxygen signal to the appropriate range for the engine 202 in conjunction with the use of an exhaust gas analyser (not shown) as well as set the range of hydrogen flow applicable for that engine (fine tuning).
- the integrated logic control unit 30 is connected and controls the low pressure regulator shut off valve 25 and also receives a low pressure signal 48 confirming flow in the low pressure line 24.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 (ILCU) generates indications via indicator lights 34 on the ILCU and the instrument panel 208 of the vehicle regarding the status of the system 10. These indications include one or more of the following.
- the system 10 includes an installer and inspection/setup dongle (not shown) which is temporarily connected to the integrated logic control unit 30 to carry out initial programming of the system 10 for a specific installation, including the following: (1) initial set up of the minimum (base flow rate) and the maximum hydrogen flow rate of the proportional valve, (2) connection of a display unit which displays operating parameters, (3) assistance in system inspection at defined intervals from local regulatory body. Minor adjustments and fine tuning of the hydrogen flow rate and the modified oxygen signal can be accomplished by adjusters located in the installer and inspection/setup dongle.
- the system 10 is run from a 12 or 24 volt electric supply 210 taken from the ignition accessory supply of the vehicle 200.
- the electric supply 210 is connected via an ignition switch 211 to a fuse 214 to the master switch 32 in the vehicle cabin which provides ON/OFF control of the system 10 to the vehicle operator/driver.
- the master switch 32 connects to the integrated logic control unit 30 via line 212.
- the system 10 is activated by the vehicle driver/operator.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 is powered and waits for the engine 202 to be started which provides a signal to the integrated logic control unit 30 that cancels the Engine OFF condition. Operation of the engine 202 and the position of the master switch 32 is then confirmed prior to initiating hydrogen flow by the integrated logic control unit 30.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 powers the low pressure shut off valve 25 and the proportional valve 26 to their open positions, allowing hydrogen gas to flow into the pressure regulator valve 20 where it is converted from a high pressure of about 200 BAR to a low pressure of up to 3 BAR, as preset by the system installer.
- the proportional valve 26 opens to a position, determined by the integrated logic control unit 30, to provide hydrogen flow to the engine 202 at a desired rate depending on the manifold pressure and/or throttle position switch as programmed.
- the manifold pressure and/or throttle position switch varies and the flow rate of hydrogen gas to the engine 202 is varied accordingly via the proportional valve 26.
- Figure 8 is a sample diagram showing manifold pressure (MAP) and rate of hydrogen gas flow to a petrol engine across the range of engine OFF, idle, acceleration and full throttle.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 senses the changes in the input signals and will dynamically position the proportional valve to a programmed position to provide the required hydrogen flow rate.
- the system 10 provides a flow of hydrogen gas to the engine across the full range of engine operation including at idle speed.
- the hydrogen gas is absorbed into the conventional fuel/air mixture, resulting in faster flame propagation and a more efficient combustion process. This reduces negative exhaust emissions, improves power, reduces stress on engine components and reduces conventional fuel consumption.
- Figure 9 is a similar diagram to that of figure 8 for a turbo diesel engine across the range of idle, acceleration, full throttle and coast.
- the proportional valve 26 is programmed to open further to ensure rate of hydrogen flow is appropriate for power operations.
- Figure 10 is a similar diagram for a normally aspirated diesel engine across the range of idle, acceleration, full throttle and coast.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 shuts down power to both the low pressure shut off valve 25 and the proportional valve 26 which shuts off the flow of hydrogen gas.
- the integrated logic control unit 30 can also sense low pressure in the low pressure line 24 and warns the operator that the storage cylinder 12 is close to empty.
- the system 10 operates independently to the existing engine fuel system as controlled by the ECM 204.
- the modified oxygen signal 48 is not generated by the integrated logic control unit 30 and the ECM 204 supplies the normal amount of conventional fuel to the engine 202.
- the present system 10 thus provides a number of significant features and benefits. These include: a fully integrated control module, full control of rate of hydrogen gas flow over the entire engine operation range and fine tuning of hydrogen gas flow rate for particular installations.
- the system 10 provides significant operation advantages and effectiveness compared to other prior systems.
- the present system can be installed in any internal combustion engine that uses liquid and gaseous fuels. All these other engines and applications can benefit from the use of an integrated logic control unit for controlling hydrogen gas flow to the engine for fuel enhancement.
- Other possible applications include: aviation support equipment, trucks, buses, bio fuel powered engines, hybrid engines, generators, rail, mining equipment, gas turbine engines - aviation and ground based, marine engines, and any petrol, LPG, diesel or bio fuel powered engine, rail applications including locomotives, construction equipment, military, aircraft - piston engines and gas turbine engines and auxiliary power units.
- Fig. 4 shows a simplified engine fuel enhancement management system 10a in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the pressure regulator valve 20 also converts high pressure hydrogen gas from the storage cylinder 12 to a low pressure hydrogen gas which is conveyed to the proportional valve 26 and which is then conveyed to the engine inlet manifold 201.
- the system 10a however does not use an integrated logic control unit 30 and the proportional valve 26 is set to one specific flow rate only.
- the system 10a is suitable for use with constant operation speed engines such as generators and turbines.
- Fig. 5 shows a safety switching system 90 for the engine fuel enhancement management system 10a.
- the electric line 212 in this embodiment is connected to a safety relay 92.
- the safety relay 92 also receives the alternator output or oil pressure status 44, which provides the engine ON or OFF status.
- the safety relay 92 is connected to the low pressure shut off valve 25 via a normally closed line 95 to which a green indicator light 96 is connected. When line 25 is closed, the green light 96 is ON and the low pressure shut off valve 25 is (powered) open to allow hydrogen gas flow. When an engine OFF signal is received, the safety relay 92 cuts off the power to the line 95 which shuts off the low pressure shut off valve 25 and flow of hydrogen gas is stopped.
- Fig. 6 shows an alternative safety switching system 90a for the system 10a which uses a voltage relay 91a and a safety relay 91b both connected to the master switch 32.
- the voltage relay 91a also receives the alternator output or oil pressure status 44, which provides engine ON or OFF status.
- the safety system 90a energises the low pressure shut off valve 25 and (optionally) the high pressure cylinder shut off valve 18 as follows:
- Fig. 7 shows an engine fuel enhancement management system 300 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the system 300 also comprises a high pressure storage cylinder 12, a manual high pressure cylinder shut off valve 16, a high pressure gauge 18, and a high pressure to low pressure regulator valve 20.
- the system 10 also comprises a low pressure shut off valve 25 disposed either at the low pressure supply line 24 or at the regulator valve 20.
- the low pressure supply line portion 24 is split into parallel sublines 24a and 24b, each comprising a respective second regulator valve 17a and 17b.
- the second regulator valve 17a reduces the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the subline 24a to 0.7 Bar and the second regulator valve 17b reduces the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the subline 24b to 1 Bar.
- Each subline 24a and 24b is connected to the engine inlet manifold 201, and each includes a respective shut off valve 25a and 25b.
- the shut off valves 25a and 25b are controlled by a pressure differential solenoid switch 302 via respective connection lines 304a and 304b.
- the pressure differential solenoid switch 302 is powered via master switch 32 and monitors the manifold pressure via a pressure switch 303.
- the shut off valves 25a and 25b are normally closed and need to be energised open to allow flow.
- a manifold pressure differential of less than 0.4 Bar which coincides with engine IDLE up to 1 ⁇ 2 throttle
- flow is allowed to the manifold 201 via the subline 24a.
- a manifold pressure differential of greater than 0.4 Bar which coincides with engine 1 ⁇ 2 throttle to full throttle, flow is allowed to the manifold 201 via the subline 24b.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
- Combined Controls Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
- Electrical Control Of Air Or Fuel Supplied To Internal-Combustion Engine (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2012/000975 WO2014028960A1 (en) | 2012-08-20 | 2012-08-20 | Engine fuel enhancement management system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2885526A1 true EP2885526A1 (en) | 2015-06-24 |
EP2885526A4 EP2885526A4 (en) | 2016-06-22 |
Family
ID=50149269
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP12883229.2A Withdrawn EP2885526A4 (en) | 2012-08-20 | 2012-08-20 | Engine fuel enhancement management system |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150275781A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2885526A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012388196A1 (en) |
PH (1) | PH12015500379A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014028960A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA201501926B (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013090543A1 (en) * | 2011-12-15 | 2013-06-20 | Ego-Gear, Llc | A device to increase fuel economy |
US20160222895A1 (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2016-08-04 | General Electric Company | Multi-fuel system and method |
US20160153375A1 (en) * | 2012-05-31 | 2016-06-02 | General Electric Company | Method for operating an engine |
US11578684B2 (en) | 2012-05-31 | 2023-02-14 | Transportation Ip Holdings, Llc | Method for operating an engine |
EP3289203A4 (en) * | 2015-04-27 | 2018-12-19 | GHP IP Pty Ltd | Hybrid fuel system |
CN108278162B (en) * | 2018-01-13 | 2022-12-09 | 福州大学 | Diesel oil and natural gas dual-fuel engine electric control unit supporting natural gas multi-point injection |
CN111864232B (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2021-12-21 | 上海重塑能源科技有限公司 | Gas purity detection method and hydrogen purity detection device of hydrogen supply system |
US20230243315A1 (en) * | 2023-03-17 | 2023-08-03 | Michael J. Holihan | Method to mitigate reverse oil flow to the combustion chamber via hybrid cylinder cutout for internal combustion engines |
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US4335697A (en) * | 1980-04-08 | 1982-06-22 | Mclean Kerry L | Internal combustion engine dual fuel system |
US5787864A (en) * | 1995-04-25 | 1998-08-04 | University Of Central Florida | Hydrogen enriched natural gas as a motor fuel with variable air fuel ratio and fuel mixture ratio control |
JP2002295313A (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2002-10-09 | Nissan Diesel Motor Co Ltd | Fuel supply device for gas engine |
US6637381B2 (en) * | 2001-10-09 | 2003-10-28 | Southwest Research Institute | Oxygenated fuel plus water injection for emissions control in compression ignition engines |
US6694242B2 (en) * | 2002-03-20 | 2004-02-17 | Clean Air Power, Inc. | Dual fuel engine having multiple dedicated controllers connected by a broadband communications link |
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US6988492B2 (en) * | 2003-06-12 | 2006-01-24 | Michael Shetley | Hydrogen and liquid fuel injection system |
US7861696B2 (en) * | 2005-11-26 | 2011-01-04 | Exen Holdings, Llc | Multi fuel co-injection system for internal combustion and turbine engines |
JP4711233B2 (en) * | 2006-05-10 | 2011-06-29 | スズキ株式会社 | Exhaust gas purification system for hydrogen engine |
GB2447046B (en) * | 2007-02-28 | 2009-09-02 | Inspecs Ltd | Engine fuel supply system |
GB2448912A (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2008-11-05 | T Baden Hardstaff Ltd | Intake air control and gaseous fuel injector assembly for a dual fuel i.c. engine |
DE102007039313A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Stadtbahn Saar Gmbh | Fuel e.g. diesel oil, supply system for e.g. common rail diesel engine, has control device to produce control signal that controls supplying quantity of combustion air based on preset functional correlation between signal and variables |
JP4837694B2 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2011-12-14 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Control device for internal combustion engine |
US8336508B2 (en) * | 2008-09-17 | 2012-12-25 | Timothy Huttner | System and method for use with a combustion engine |
US7913673B2 (en) * | 2009-06-30 | 2011-03-29 | Clean Air Power, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling liquid fuel delivery during transition between modes in a multimode engine |
US8402928B2 (en) * | 2010-04-08 | 2013-03-26 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Method for operating an engine with variable charge density |
US20130220270A1 (en) * | 2010-05-24 | 2013-08-29 | Village Road Co., Ltd. | Retrofit gas fuel supply kit retrofittable to internal combustion engine using liquid fuel |
AU2010202653B1 (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2011-08-18 | Ghp Ip Pty Ltd | Assisted Propulsion System |
DE202012100107U1 (en) * | 2012-01-12 | 2012-03-01 | Stefano Alberti | Retrofit system of a diesel engine for mixed operation with gas fuel |
US8919325B2 (en) * | 2012-02-08 | 2014-12-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Method and system for engine control |
DE102012002948A1 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2013-08-22 | Man Truck & Bus Ag | Method for operating a self-igniting internal combustion engine |
-
2012
- 2012-08-20 EP EP12883229.2A patent/EP2885526A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-08-20 WO PCT/AU2012/000975 patent/WO2014028960A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-08-20 AU AU2012388196A patent/AU2012388196A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-08-20 US US14/422,623 patent/US20150275781A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2015
- 2015-02-20 PH PH12015500379A patent/PH12015500379A1/en unknown
- 2015-03-20 ZA ZA2015/01926A patent/ZA201501926B/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2014028960A8 (en) | 2014-07-31 |
EP2885526A4 (en) | 2016-06-22 |
AU2012388196A1 (en) | 2015-04-09 |
PH12015500379A1 (en) | 2015-04-20 |
US20150275781A1 (en) | 2015-10-01 |
WO2014028960A1 (en) | 2014-02-27 |
NZ706209A (en) | 2017-07-28 |
ZA201501926B (en) | 2017-11-29 |
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